New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-16
FORTY YEARS IN POLITICS.
Mr.. BUTCHER SAYS he IS NOW OUT FOR
GOOD-THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

hh. DOlOIlCh SA1O 40 NO' W. 49,
GO0D-THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
trRoM THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE.l
ALBANY, May 15-Silas d. Dutcher who was here
recently declared he so busy with his private
affairs that he had no time to keep himself informed
with reference to the foremost movements in politics.
AS the situation" said he. there is uncertainty
ahead. In all my political experience never saw as
many Understandable elements cropping out there
are now. Last fall thought saw great break
coming when the George movement set III In New
York, and ventured to write to gentleman with
reference to it that / thought George might poll
$4,000 votes. He regarded my prediction as extrav-
agant and didn't argue the question with hn tor 10
tell the truth thought myself was drawing IL pretty
strong The sixty thousand odd votes that were cast
for Henry George indicated an unexpected oleak vi
the dseontened from tho regular party to when ney
tor the most part belonged They may not Do con-
centrated again this fall nor in the near future on
candidate a ticket, but 1t seems to me they are
broken permanently from the old party an nicn they
belonged. The labor element | regard as the most
important of the uncertain political elements OF tho
day, although there are Others which think are
bound to appear in the next general State election
feel that have Quilted politics tor good and ALL"
continued MIR. butcher, "except to perform the
ordinary duty OF citizen TO vote. 1t Is not likely
shall be in the State Convention this TAIL am now
making satisfactory Roadway in business and cannot
afford to take further active part in politics what
remains of life aud strength to must consecrate to
myself and my family. 1t Will be forty years next
year since began to work actively In politics. mat
was in the campaign OF 1S4S and from that time to
a very recent period there principles involved in
current politics which calculated TO call into
activity the best energies OF men OF my age. went
to New York about 1856 fully determined to have no
moro TO do with politics. Besides being in business
that required all my time, was stranger in q big
city where it seemed as il could not take a hand in
politics if wanted to. The situation in which found
myself was very gratifying for l had already had
sufficient experience OF mixing politics and business
to teach me that mans business suffers in proportion
to the time he devotes to political activity.
4" But Just as | was congratuating myself that l
was tree to devote myself to my affairs, an Incl
dent occurred which changed my good intentions and
carried me back into political work. One evening In
the summer of 1856 alter supper lighted cigar and
strolled through Bleecker-sL until came to hall
where | observed a great commotion, men hurrying
and others pressing in. while inside there was an
uproar If part OF the crowd was trying to make lie
as uncOmiort Ibe possible tor the other part.
went in led by curiosity, and found that Fremont
and Dayton club composed OF young and middie-aged
men was trying to have meeting. They had met,
bnt IA scon as the first speaker undertook to any
thing the owd that had dressed Ill set up yell Tor
Fillmore and Don lldsOn browning out the rIemonters
and practically breaking up the meeting L mad
taken a seat TO watch the proceedings. intending 10
keep cool, but the longer l sat the madder got.
Finally the chairman. VINO was Alderman JACOB
Dodge made himself heard sufficiently to say that all
those who belonged to the club or who wished 10 JOIN
il he deslred TO remain All others he hoped would
withdraw peaceably from the hall. Tue INVITATION
did nv case, Tor neither belonged 10 the
club ncr did think wanted 10 JOIN 1t or any otber
political cub. was strong Fremont nan, however.
and thought would stay to see how they managed
such a1sirs in New-lork. When quiet was secured
various proposals were made as TO the best way 10
secure tine peace at Upsequent meetings OF the cuD
One proposed that a committee should be appointed
To ait on the Nav yr and ask him to interfere III tue
clubs behalf by having SUFFICIENT police force sIa-
toned - the hall to protect the meetings. Another
suggested that individuals OF the clap should inter
view lepu able and influential citizens in the neigh
borhood OF the hall soliciting their good oihces L
listened these proposals With good deal OF disgust
| had been educated in politics TO believe that Tree
speech OF the rights when every American
CITIZEN WAS entitled to- When couldn't stand II any
longer got up and addressing the chairman SAID that
| was a stranger IN town comparatively ana was not
included in the invitation extended by the cnar 10
remain. / was, however, supporter OF Fremont anu
II the meeting would bear me would make suggeS-
ton az u the best way to secure the futme tranquility
OF the club There cries OF 20 on, and went on
said nv plan would be appoint there and then
committee OF nifty OF the best men OF the club men
VINO could be counted on TO carry OFT instru TONS
and would station them in the approaches 70 the nail
and throughout the audience al meetings. IL any one
hereafter opened his head to disturb meeting No9lo
have il understood that he was to De seized on tue
spot and pitched bead!ong out OF the room ana INTO
the street This plan met the appfo OF the cup;
Members came to me TO inquire VINO was ana u !
wouldn't like to join. said no, didn't want TO get
into politics. Finally they pressed me so strongly 10
Join tina. | did So The committee o. fifty was APP
pointed and the club had more trouble during the
Campaign. But was 8 Eept into the swirl am out
now. however, aud as said intend to stay out"
Senator Knapp, who represents the large district
consisting of the counties OF ST. Lawrence Franklin
and LeHa il candidate for reelection. 1t is prob.
ably the banner Republican district OF the State ana
Mr. Knarn is proud TO represent 1t
Assemblyman Sheehan OF Buffalo, the Democratic
leader states that he is ut candidate tor Controller
ar any STATE Office. Charles +. TABOR, personal
friend Of mine and man TO whom am under great
obligations" he said recently lie a candidate ior
Attorney General | shall heartily support him for
that Office As tor myself will state IAN catdi-
date Tor reelection IA ssemblyman."